Decision Making (1)

'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.' Proverbs 16:3 NIV

This scripture popped out at me today as I have been seeking God about something in my own life. We have been seeing the move of God's hand in our church this year and in some ways I'm scared, but in another very excited. Am I committing everything to Him? Am I pointing our church in the right direction to God? I know you understand what I'm talking about. In life we all have to make decisions. Maybe you're parents warned you about making bad decisions more than making good ones; fear can cause you to miss God-given opportunities. 'If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?' (1 Corinthians 14:8 NIV) Now if you're like the mule standing between two bales of hay unable to decide which one to eat and afraid of making the wrong choice, you starve to death. You must act! Your need to do things perfectly and your desire to control every possible outcome will keep you stuck. So: (1) Stop trying to please everybody. 'Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety.' (Proverbs 29:25 TLB) Once you know what brings you fulfillment, as long as it's God's will, chart your course accordingly and refuse to let the opinions of others stop you or color your view. (2) Remember, over time your goals can change. What's needed today may not be right for you a year from now. So reassess your plans regularly and be willing to change direction. 'We should make plans-counting on God to direct us.' (Proverbs 16:9 TLB) When your spiritual gut says no, pay attention. (3) When God is on your side, you'll prevail. Somebody asked Abraham Lincoln if he was sure that God was on his side. He replied, 'I haven't thought much about it. I just want to know I'm on God's side.' It's normal to speculate about how you'd like things to turn out, but God alone controls the future. Just trust Him. 'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.' You are loved!